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  • 🍷 Embrace the Festive Cheer at Metro Phoenix's Holiday Popup Bars ⚓ Longtime Arizona Military Museum Director Resigns Amidst Controversy and Closure and more...

🍷 Embrace the Festive Cheer at Metro Phoenix's Holiday Popup Bars ⚓ Longtime Arizona Military Museum Director Resigns Amidst Controversy and Closure and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #046

Author

Lloyd Heath
December 22, 2023

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In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

 🍷 Embrace the Festive Cheer at Metro Phoenix's Holiday Popup Bars

 ⚓ Longtime Arizona Military Museum Director Resigns Amidst Controversy and Closure

 ✈ Record-Breaking Holiday Travel: 2.2 Million Arizonans Set to Hit the Road

 🚗 What can Arizonans expect for holiday travel this year?

 🚨 Parking Dispute Ends in Fatal Shooting Inside Woman's Home: Police Report

 🚔 Queen Creek police: some parents won’t let children talk to investigators about Lord killing

 👰 Mother-Daughter Team Energizes Grand Wedding Expo

 🏈 Anquan Boldin, Ex-Arizona Cardinals Standout, Tackles Sports Charity Reform Initiative

December Ongoing

December Upcoming Events

Embrace the Festive Cheer at Metro Phoenix's Holiday Popup Bars

As Phoenix welcomes chillier weather, the city is shimmering with Christmas lights adorning homes and businesses throughout the Valley. Popular festivities like Lights at the Farm and the Chandler Tumbleweed Tree have made their annual return, while bars across metro Phoenix are immersing patrons in the holiday spirit with extravagant decorations and themed drinks.

For those who delight in festive indulgences, a variety of metro Phoenix bars and pop-up experiences offer a merry assortment of treats. From boozy candy cane milkshakes and s'mores by the fire to cocktails in Santa-themed tiki cups, these establishments promise a uniquely spirited celebration.

Here are the top 8 holiday pop-up bars to visit for a festive experience around metro Phoenix.

Après Chalet

The Après Chalet at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale offers a ski-lodge-inspired holiday pop-up bar with a selection of unique seasonal cocktails and tasty bar bites. Visitors can enjoy drinks like the 'Altitude' and 'Maplenut' while roasting marshmallows for s'mores over a fire pit. In the spirit of giving, a portion of the proceeds will support Healing Hearts Animal Rescue. Detail: 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale. 480-444-1234, hyatt.coms

Bar Blitzen

Culinary Dropout Tempe's holiday pop-up, Bar Blitzen, is back for another season in Tempe and now Gilbert. Visitors can enjoy festive cocktails and Christmas decor in a cheerful setting. A $5 cover charge per visit supports the Toys for Tots charity, enhancing the spirit of giving. Details: 149 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe. Also, 383 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert. culinarydropout.com.

Feliz Navidad Cantina

Scottsdale's Salt and Lime Modern Mexican Grill transforms into Feliz Navidad Cantina for the holiday season, offering a festive menu with items like Christmas enchiladas and mistletoe Martinis. Visitors can enjoy weekly appearances from Santa Claus and the Grinch amidst vibrant holiday decor and participate in a toy drive to support the community.Details: 9397 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 115, Scottsdale. 480-661-5463, saltandlimeaz.com. 

Miracle at Floor 13

Downtown Phoenix's Hilton Garden Inn rooftop bar offers a holiday escape with kitschy decor and themed cocktails like 'Naughty and Nice' shots and the 'Christmapolitan.' The festive atmosphere is complemented by food specials such as candy cane charcuterie and 'Elf Yourself' flatbread, creating a merry dining experience. Details: 15 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. 602-396-7168, floor13rooftopbar.com/miracle-bar..

Saguaro Summit Ski Lodge

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix and Blue Hound Kitchen and Cocktails are reviving their holiday cocktail pop-up bar on November 27, featuring unique drinks like the Reindeer Fly-By and bourbon-infused hot cocoa, offering a festive and flavor-filled experience. Details: 2 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. 602-258-0231, bluehoundkitchen.com.

Sippin' Santa

Sippin' Santa holiday at Bitter and Twisted in downtown Phoenix is a festive tiki bar offering unique drinks like the Merry Spritzmas and North Pole Bowl. The venue combines holiday cheer with a tropical tiki atmosphere for a unique celebration.Details: 1 W. Jefferson, Phoenix. 602-340-1924. bitterandtwistedaz.com. 

Winter Wonderland at JoJo's ShakeBAR

Until January 14, JoJo's ShakeBAR hosts Winter Wonderland, offering boozy holiday drinks and activities like mixology classes, ornament painting, wreath making, and gingerbread decorating, creating a festive and engaging experience. Details: 15037 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite J150, Scottsdale. 520-636-5572, jojosshakebar.com.

50 Shades of Christmas

50 Shades of Rosé in Scottsdale is hosting a Christmas popup with holiday-themed drinks like cinnamon toast shots and Christmas cookie martinis, along with DJs and festive photo ops for a joyful celebration.Details: 7419 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale. 50shadesofroseaz.com. 

Longtime Arizona Military Museum Director Resigns Amidst Controversy and Closure

After four decades at the helm, Joe Abodeely, the director of the Arizona Military Museum, has announced his resignation amid controversies and a leadership dispute that led to the museum's closure. The museum, a fixture of Arizona's military history and operated by the Arizona National Guard Historical Society, was shut down by state officials in August due to internal rifts and public disputes, particularly over Abodeely's leadership and offensive remarks made during a museum tour. The facility, situated on the Papago Park Military Reservation, is subject to state authority, which has demanded a plan from the nonprofit to remove its property, asserting that Abodeely should no longer interact with the public. Despite his resignation and decades-long dedication to the museum's development, the future of the Arizona Military Museum remains uncertain as state officials and the National Guard deliberate over the next steps, with significant decisions expected after the holiday season.

Record-Breaking Holiday Travel: 2.2 Million Arizonans Set to Hit the Road

Nearly 2.2 million Arizonans are gearing up for holiday travel, as per AAA's forecasts, marking one of the busiest year-end travel periods in over two decades. Nationwide, an estimated 115.2 million Americans are expected to journey 50 miles or more, a 2.2% rise from last year and the second-highest figure since 2000. This surge reflects a broader trend observed throughout 2023, where despite costs, Americans are increasingly traveling to create lasting memories and explore new destinations. Notably, buses, trains, and cruises are seeing the most significant increase in travelers, while the vast majority, nearly 104 million, will travel by car. Air travel is also on the rise, with 7.5 million Americans projected to fly, marking a 4.7% increase from the previous year.

What can Arizonans expect for holiday travel this year?

AAA spokesperson Julian Paredes warns that the peak travel days around the Christmas and New Year's holidays will be December 23 and 28, with traffic heaviest between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Travelers are advised to start their journeys in the morning to avoid congestion. The Arizona Department of Transportation has halted highway improvement projects to ease travel, but certain areas, particularly stretches near Phoenix and routes to California, are expected to see increased traffic. Sky Harbor officials are also guiding airport travelers to utilize the PHX Sky Train Stations for pick-ups and drop-offs to alleviate congestion and recommend booking parking in advance through the airport's website.

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Parking Dispute Ends in Fatal Shooting Inside Woman's Home: Police Report

Following a heated dispute over a parking spot, Gary Parohinog forcibly entered an apartment in Phoenix and fatally shot 26-year-old Edith Rivas. The tragic incident occurred on the evening of December 14th, after Parohinog and the victim reportedly argued. Responding to the scene at the 1300 block of East Mohave Street around 9 p.m., Phoenix police found Rivas with a gunshot wound. Despite immediate medical attention and transportation to the hospital, she succumbed to her injuries. Parohinog, 34, was later apprehended and faces charges of first-degree murder. He is currently detained at the Maricopa Jail without the option of bond.

Queen Creek police: some parents won’t let children talk to investigators about Lord killing

In the wake of the tragic assault and subsequent death of Combs High School student Preston Lord, Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice has issued a statement expressing gratitude to those who have provided information about the case and urging more community cooperation. As the second-month anniversary of the incident approaches, Brice highlights the complexity of the investigation, emphasizing the need for concrete evidence that proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Despite the lack of arrests, the Queen Creek Police Department (QCPD) remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice, actively following all leads and working with neighboring law enforcement and the FBI.

Brice's statement reveals the multifaceted approach of the QCPD, including increased patrols in common areas where teens gather and collaborations with schools and businesses to reinforce safety. The chief also encourages parents to monitor their children's whereabouts and online activities and urges teens to report any illegal behavior. With over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, Brice describes this case as one of the most impactful and reassures the community of the department's commitment to securing arrests and convictions for those responsible for Lord's death. He also provides a channel for anonymous tips, urging anyone with information, including images and videos, to come forward. Submit here.

Mother-Daughter Team Energizes Grand Wedding Expo

The Arizona Wedding Show, set for January 27-28 at the Phoenix Convention Center, is the ultimate destination for soon-to-be-married couples in the Valley. With over 200 experts covering every aspect of wedding planning, from venues to attire, the event promises a comprehensive and interactive experience. Led by renowned wedding consultant Kim Horn, the show is a response to the resurging wedding industry, offering tastings, fashion shows, and personal consultations. It aims to simplify the planning process, providing a space for couples to connect with vendors, explore trends, and make informed decisions about their big day.

Anquan Boldin, Ex-Arizona Cardinals Standout, Tackles Sports Charity Reform Initiative

Anquan Boldin, a former NFL star and 2015 Walter Payton Man of the Year, recently shared his personal journey and mission at the Global Sports Business Forum at UCLA. Boldin's life took a transformative turn after his cousin was tragically killed by an officer in 2015. This event motivated him to retire from football and establish the Players Coalition. This nonprofit, supported by a vast network of athletes, coaches, and owners, is dedicated to advocating for racial equity and social justice, boasting significant legislative victories and substantial financial contributions.

Boldin emphasized the need for direction in philanthropic efforts among athletes, revealing plans for a new organization, Sport For Impact. Inspired by an Arizona Republic investigation into the inefficiency of nonprofits led by Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year awardees, this initiative aims to revolutionize sports philanthropy. The report highlighted the misuse of funds and lack of oversight in many sports charities, alongside noting successful models and potential remedies. Boldin, along with his wife, Dionne, and a team of professionals, hopes to guide athletes in making more effective and impactful contributions through this endeavor.

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